Inside Lake Tahoe’s Annual Oscar De La Renta Fashion Show

For the 49th year in a row, the League to Save Lake Tahoe has raised an extraordinary amount of money—$870,000 to be exact—at its annual Oscar de la Renta fashion show. The event, which was sponsored by Saks Fifth Avenue and AT&T, was held on Saturday, August 4 at the Schumacher Family estate on the Lake Tahoe shoreline.

Farah Makras and Sonya Molodetskaya

Photo Credit: Drew AltizerThe luncheon and fashion show date back to 1969 when designer Bill Blass showed his latest collection to loyal clients and friends in the area. The show benefits the league’s environmental efforts to ensure that Tahoe remains blue and beautiful.“The Raise the Paddle which funds special projects such asforest restoration, beach clean-ups, and water clarity programs, stole the show at the auction, raising over $84,000, the most we have ever raised during this portion of the auction,” said Kristin Keane, the League to Save Lake Tahoe’s development consultant.

Before the luncheon, elegantly clad guests sipped cocktails while admiring the gorgeous woodsy views. Robbie Gordy of Christie’s led the live auction during the lunch, and a backstage trunk show followed the runway presentation. Guests were able to shop the looks featured in the show, and it proved to be the most post-show shopping spree in the event’s history.

The lakeside catwalk

Photo Credit: Arthur Kobin for Drew Altizer Photography

“We’re delighted to continue such a special tradition with the League to Save Lake Tahoe for the 49th year,” Tracy Margolies, Saks Fifth Avenue’s chief merchant said. “This is a wonderful opportunity to allow our customers to experience luxury fashion from Oscar de la Renta with a one-of-a-kind backdrop, as well as raise money and awareness surrounding an extremely important cause that is beloved throughout the Northern California community.”

Karen Kubin shops the trunk show

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer An elite group of San Francisco socialites, including Haute Living’s fashion editor-at-large Sonya Molodetskaya, boarded a private jet on Saturday morning and were whisked off to Tahoe to enjoy the show. Molodetskaya served as co-pilot, and the plane was filled with her friends and faithful de la Renta clients Farah Makras, Dr. Carolyn Chang, Jane Mudge, and Mary Beth Shimmon. Other local luminaries in attendance? Chrisa Pappas, Barbara Brown, and Komal Shah.